As for JSF getting Takahashi and Hannyu to compete against each other at NHK, does anyone remember that they did the same with Shizuka and Mao in the 2005/6 season at TEB AND CoC? The fearless and fresh Mao of course came out and nailed everything (3axel, 3flip/3loop etc) and won both. As a die-hard Shizuka fan then (and still is), I remember having very mixed feelings.

You were not the only one, hikki. I felt the same way.
Mao was not even age eligible for the Olympic Games and ISU's senior championships backt then, enjoying her very first appearances on the senior circuit with literally, no pressure. Shizuka, OTOH struggled to keep up her motivation the season before (2004-05 season) after winning the world title in 2004, then struggling again with UR calls that season. And caused her to miss the GPF. I thought it a bit unfair for the sake of Shizuka, because it was Torino season..
Did not Torasova bark at JSF, saying something like "Are you going to bury Shizuka away?"

If it wasn't the Olympic season, I would not have felt that way, though, of course.

These skaters don't get assignments because their WR and/or SB aren't high enough on the lists, and also because they are not skating for a host nation.

While I fully understand all the requirements in my head, my heart says 'I would love to see them!', you know.
What a shame on ISU cutting down the slots at each desciplines. That decision rather works to disadvantage for skaters like Glebova and McCorkell, and eliminate skaters like Caluza and Ge from competing/exploring on Grand Prix circuit...

That's the main thing! Looking gorgeous in Paris -- what else is there?

That's the main thing, I agree! I knew there was a bit of diva-ness in her :P

Originally Posted by deedee1

You were not the only one, hikki. I felt the same way.

Apparently Shizuka practiced on the GPF rink in Tokyo during the competition (for which she didn't qualify) in the off-peak hours the competitors were not around, and she later admitted that was one of the hardest things to do, but she knew she needed that kick. You and I know she had a debut of her new Y spiral sequence at Nationals and wowed everyone, qualifying (just) for the Olympics!